Conduit receivers

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments are directed to an enclosure. The enclosure can include at least one wall forming a cavity. The enclosure can also include a conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The conduit receiver can include a housing having an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive a conduit. The conduit receiver can also include a retaining element disposed within the housing at a distal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can further include a sealing device disposed within the housing at a proximal end of the housing. The conduit receiver can also include a bushing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing, where the bushing extends radially inward from the at least one wall, where the bushing is configured to abut against the conduit when the conduit is received in the aperture, and where the bushing covers an end of the conduit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an enclosed raceway,and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for conduitreceivers of such an enclosed raceway.

BACKGROUND

Electrical conduit piping systems (also called enclosed raceway systemsherein) are used to carry electrical wiring for power and/orcommunication. An electrical system (also called a cabling systemherein) is one of many major systems in a facility (e.g., an industrialfacility, a commercial building, a power plant). An electrical system istypically broad reaching, with electrical cables running throughout thefacility. In some locations in a facility, a relatively large number ofcables are run in a common area. In such a case, cables are laid incable trays. In other locations in a facility, such as where specificelectrical devices are located, a relatively small number of cables arerun in a particular enclosed raceway within an enclosed raceway system.A facility often has a large number of enclosed raceways that make up anenclosed raceway system. An enclosed raceway can be rigid and/orflexible.

Enclosed raceways are sometimes run proximate to mechanical and plumbingsystems of a facility. An enclosed raceway is often installed along aunique path, having one or more bends (e.g., 90° bends, 45° bends) andstraight segments along the length of the enclosed raceway. As such, thepath along which an enclosed raceway is installed is flexible. Theflexible path of an enclosed raceway is needed to accommodatepre-existing objects (e.g., beams, plumbing, HVAC hardware, wallcorners) in a facility. Enclosed raceways are often among the lastcomponents of an electrical system to be installed, and so there arelikely a number of pre-existing objects around which an enclosed racewaymust navigate. Consequently, the electrical enclosed raceways canrequire a lot of time and material to assemble.

Enclosed raceways provide protection to enclosed cables from impact,moisture, and chemical vapors. As such, conduit can be used to protectcables from being crushed, which can result in a fault condition. Rigidconduit is made in fixed lengths, and so a person (usually anelectrician) installing rigid conduit as part of a enclosed raceway mayhave to perform a number of tasks with respect to the rigid conduit andassociated fittings. For example, the installer may have to cut a lengthof conduit to size, shape a conduit pipe according to a particularcurvature required based on the path to be followed, etch mating threadsinto the conduit, and connect the conduit with one or more fittings toaccommodate the path of the enclosed raceway.

In an enclosed raceway system, conduit pipe can be joined to anothercomponent (e.g., another conduit pipe, a connector, a junction box, amotor control center, a switchgear cabinet, a control cabinet) usingfittings. Such fittings can provide a connection and/or a change indirection. Failure to provide proper joints can cause discontinuity inthe enclosed raceway system. Conduit pipe in such cases can be joinedusing mating threads. Even if a conduit pipe has mating threads disposedon each end, when a conduit pipe is cut to size, mating threads must beetched into the end of the conduit pipe. This process can be messy(leaving, for example, metal shavings, and oil stains) and timeconsuming. In addition, when conduit pipes are joined by mating threadsin a hazardous or explosion-proof application, a flame path formed bythe mating threads can be compromised by burrs that result from etchingthe mating threads into the conduit. The burrs can also damage cable,especially as the cable is being pulled in a cabling system.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an enclosure. Theenclosure can include one or more walls forming a cavity and a firstconduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. The first conduitreceiver can include a first housing having a first aperture, where thefirst aperture is configured to receive a first conduit. The firstconduit receiver can also include a first retaining element disposedwithin the first housing at a first distal end of the first housing. Thefirst conduit receiver can further include a first sealing devicedisposed within the first housing at a first proximal end of the firsthousing. The first conduit receiver can also include a first bushingadjacent to the first proximal end of the first housing, where the firstbushing extends inward from the at least one wall, where the firstbushing is configured to abut against the first conduit when the firstconduit is received in the first aperture, and where the first bushingcovers a first end of the first conduit.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a couplingdevice that includes a body having a cavity that traverses therethrough,where the body comprises a first end. The first end of the body of thecoupling device can include a first housing having a first aperture,where the first aperture is configured to receive a first conduit. Thefirst end of the body of the coupling device can also include a firstretaining element disposed within the first housing at a first distalend of the first housing. The first end of the body of the couplingdevice can further include a first sealing device disposed within thefirst housing at a first proximal end of the first housing. The firstend of the body of the coupling device can also include a first bushingadjacent to the first proximal end of the first housing, where the firstbushing extends inward from the at least one wall, where the firstbushing is configured to abut against the first conduit when the firstconduit is received in the first aperture, and where the first bushingcovers a first end of the first conduit.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a system.The system can include a first conduit having a first conduit end, andan enclosure coupled to the first conduit end of the first conduit. Theenclosure of the system can include at least one wall forming a cavity,and a first conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall. Thefirst conduit receiver of the enclosure of the system can include afirst housing having a first aperture, where the first aperture receivesthe first conduit end of the first conduit. The first conduit receiverof the enclosure of the system can also include a first retainingelement disposed within the first housing at a first distal end of thefirst housing. The first conduit receiver of the enclosure of the systemcan further include a first sealing device disposed within the firsthousing at a first proximal end of the first housing. The first conduitreceiver of the enclosure of the system can also include a first bushingadjacent to the first proximal end of the first housing, where the firstbushing extends inward from the at least one wall, where the firstbushing abuts against and covers a distal end of the first conduit end.The system can also include a tool that applies a compressive force tothe first housing of the first conduit receiver, where the compressiveforce deforms the first housing and drives the first retaining elementagainst the first conduit end.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of conduit receiversand are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as conduitreceivers may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elementsand features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions orpositionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, butnot necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 shows an enclosure with conduit receivers currently known in theart.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show various views of a conduit receiver in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a system that includes an enclosure with a conduitreceiver prior to securing a conduit in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 3B shows the system of FIG. 3A after the conduit receiver securesthe conduit in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a system that includes a conduit connector device inaccordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a system that includes an explosion-proof enclosure with aconduit receiver in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 6A shows a system that includes another enclosure with multipleconduit receivers prior to securing conduit in accordance with certainexample embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows the system of FIG. 6A after the conduit receivers securethe conduit in accordance with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems,apparatuses, and methods of conduit receivers. While the example conduitreceivers shown in the Figures and described herein are directed toconduit for electrical cable (sometimes referred to herein as “cable”),example conduit receivers can also be used with other devices aside fromconduit for electrical cable, including but not limited to pipe forgases, pipe for fluids, and pipe for structural purposes (e.g.,shelving, frames). Example embodiments can also be used with otherdevices, including but not limited to junction boxes, drain hubs, groundnuts, caps, and adapters. Thus, the examples of conduit receiversdescribed herein are not limited to conduit for electrical cables.

As used herein, the term “coupling” (or variations thereof) can be usedinterchangeably with the term “connecting” (or variations thereof).These words and their variations are intended to describe how exampleembodiments are physically joined with one or more other components ofan enclosed raceway system. As described herein, a user can be anyperson that interacts with example conduit receivers or a portionthereof. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, anengineer, an electrician, a maintenance technician, a mechanic, anoperator, a consultant, a contractor, a homeowner, and a manufacturer'srepresentative.

The conduit receivers described herein can be physically placed inoutdoor environments. In addition, or in the alternative, exampleconduit receivers can be subject to extreme heat, extreme cold,moisture, humidity, high winds, dust, and other conditions that cancause wear on the conduit receivers or portions thereof. In certainexample embodiments, the conduit receivers, including any portionsthereof, are made of materials that are designed to maintain a long-termuseful life and to perform when required without mechanical failure.

Example conduit receivers described herein, as part of an enclosedraceway system, can be subject to meeting one or more of a number ofstandards. For example, the National Electric Code (“NEC”) setsstandards for electrical wiring of an electrical system. As a specificexample, the NEC requires that installations of electrical wiring isperformed “in a neat and workmanlike manner.” To enhance electricalsafety, an installer creates enclosed raceways that protect electricalcable from mechanical abuse and provide electrical continuity of theelectrical system.

The NEC also sets standards for electrical cable pulling access andgrounding practices. For example, suitable cable pulling access isrequired before having a total of 360 degrees of bend of an enclosedraceway. This reduces the strain on electrical cables created by pullingthe electrical cable through a portion of the enclosed raceway. Thisalso reduces or prevents damage to the insulation or conductors of anelectrical cable being pulled through the enclosed raceway. As anotherexample, NEC standards require a permanent and continuous path toground.

Underwriters Laboratories tests and approves (in industry terms,“lists”) fittings (e.g., conduit, connectors, couplers) for enclosedraceway systems. Using appropriate UL listed fittings for an enclosedraceway, along with good installation workmanship, are important forensuring electrical safety. The American National Standards Institute(ANSI) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) alsopublish a number of standards that apply to enclosed raceways. Forexample, ANSI/NEMA FB 1 are standards that apply to fittings, cast metalboxes and conduit bodies for conduit, electrical metallic tubing, andcable.

Example embodiments of conduit receivers will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichexample embodiments of conduit receivers are shown. Conduit receiversmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope ofconduit receivers to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but notnecessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called modules) in thevarious figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” “distal,” and “proximal” are usedmerely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state ofa component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote apreference or a particular orientation. Any feature and/or componentshown and/or described in one embodiment (e.g., in a figure) herein canbe used in any other embodiment (e.g., in any other figure) herein, evenif not expressly shown and/or described in such other embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an outlet box, or more generally referred to as anenclosure, 101 with conduit receivers 110 currently known in the art.The enclosure 101 includes at least one wall 120 that forms a cavity130. The wall 120 can have an aperture (hidden from view) that traversestherethrough and is normally covered by a cover 125. The wall 120 andthe cover 125 can be made of one or more of a number of suitablematerials, including but not limited to steel, plastic, and ceramic.

The enclosure 101 can also have one or more (in this case, two) conduitreceivers 110 (referred to herein as traditional conduit receivers).Each traditional conduit receiver 110 of FIG. 1 has mating threads 112disposed on its inner or outer surface at the distal end of eachtraditional conduit receiver 110. Each traditional conduit receiver 110has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially circular and has asize that is substantially similar to the size (e.g., a trade size,including but not limited to ½ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, and 6 inch) of aconduit. Such a conduit has mating threads that complement the matingthreads 112 of the traditional conduit receiver 110 and allow theconduit to couple to the traditional conduit receiver 110 of theenclosure 101.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show various views of an example conduit receiver 270 inaccordance with an example embodiment of the invention. Specifically,FIG. 2A shows a front-side perspective view of the conduit receiver 270,and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of the conduit receiver270. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of conduit receivers should not be consideredlimited to the specific arrangements of components shown in FIGS. 2A and2B.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the example conduit receiver 270 caninclude a housing 272, at least one retaining element 280, at least oneoptional separating member 283, a sealing device 284, and at least onebushing 285. The housing 272 can include at least one wall. In thiscase, housing 272 has a main wall 274, an end wall 273 disposed at thedistal end of the main wall 274, and a transition wall 275 disposed atthe proximal end of the main wall 274.

The end wall 273 can be at some angle (in this case, substantiallyperpendicular) to the main wall 274. The transition wall 275 can providea transition between the conduit receiver 270 and some other component(e.g., an enclosure, another conduit receiver) to which the conduitreceiver 272 is coupled. The transition wall 275 can be straight,curved, and/or have some other feature along its length. The outerperimeter of the transition wall 275 can change along its length. Forexample, in this case, the outer perimeter of the transition wall 275decreases along its length from its distal end (where the transitionwall 275 meets the main wall 274) to the proximal end (where thetransition wall 275 meets the component to which the conduit receiver270 is coupled).

The housing 272 can form a cavity 271 that traverses its length. Theshape and size of the cavity 271 can be defined at the distal end of thehousing 272 by the opening formed by the end wall 273. In this case, theopening 276 formed by the end wall 273 is substantially circular and hasan outer perimeter, defined by diameter 293. Similarly, the shape andsize of the cavity 271 can be defined at the proximal end of the housing272 by the opening formed by the bushing 285. The bushing 285, sometimescalled an integral bushing 285, provides a smooth surface for electricalcables when the electrical cables pulled through the conduit receiver270 and/or an adjacent component (e.g., conduit, junction box) of theenclosed raceway. The bushing 285 is not a conduit end stop. As it isnot necessary that the conduit be inserted flush against this bushing toassure a secure joint. In this case, the opening formed by the bushing285 is substantially circular and has an outer perimeter, defined bydiameter 292. The shape and size of the aperture 276 formed by the endwall 273 can be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, theshape and size of the conduit that is disposed therein. Thus, ratherthan working with only a single size of conduit, as is the case oftraditional conduit receivers, the example conduit receiver 270 can beused with a conduit that falls within a range of sizes. The diameter 292can be less than the diameter 293.

In certain example embodiments, the housing 272 is made of one or moreof a number of materials that make the housing 272 malleable. Thus, whena compressive force is applied to the main wall 274 (and/or some otherportion) of the housing 272, the main wall 274 becomes compressed anddeformed. When this occurs, as shown below with respect to FIG. 3B, thecomponents (e.g., the retaining element 280, the sealing device 284)positioned within the housing and outside the conduit become affected.

One or more of the various walls (e.g., main wall 274, end wall 273,transition wall 275) of the housing 272 can be continuous around theouter perimeter, as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, one or more of thewalls of the housing 272 can be segmented, having breaks along a wallthat can run length-wise, circumferentially, and/or in any otherdirection. In such a case, the breaks can run along part of all of awall. In addition, or in the alternative, the break can be a variationin the thickness of a wall rather than a gap in the wall. Such featurescan be included in one or more walls of the housing 272 for one or morereasons, including but not limited to ease and/or control ofcompressibility of such walls.

At least one retaining element 280 can be used to become embedded intothe wall of the conduit when one or more walls of the conduit receiver270 is compressed and deformed. When this occurs, each retaining element280 maintains the conduit in a fixed position relative to the conduitreceiver 270. A conduit receiver 270 can include a single retainingelement 280 disposed over some or all of the outer perimeter of theconduit and/or the housing 272. Alternatively, a conduit receiver 270can include multiple retaining elements 280 having a finite length thatare disposed continuously, regularly, randomly, and/or in some otherpattern around the outer perimeter of the conduit and/or the housing272. In other words, a retaining element 280 of a conduit receiver 270can be one or more pieces that are disposed around some or all of theouter perimeter of the conduit and/or the housing 272. The retainingelement 280 can be disposed at one or more locations along the length ofthe housing 272. For example, in this case, the retaining element 280 isdisposed at the distal end of the housing 272, adjacent to the end wall273.

Each retaining element 280 can have one or more portions. For example,as shown in FIG. 2B, the retaining element 280 can have a base 281 and amain portion 282. The base 281 can be used to align with and abutagainst the inner surface of the main wall 274 and/or the inner surfaceof the end wall 273. The base 281 can have a length that is less thanthe length of the main wall 274. The main portion 282 can be oriented tobe substantially perpendicular to a conduit disposed within the cavity271 of the conduit receiver 270. Thus, if the main wall 274 issubstantially parallel to the conduit disposed within the cavity 271,then the base 281 of the retaining element 280 is substantially parallelto the conduit, and the main portion 282 is substantially perpendicularto both the base 281 and the conduit. The distal end of the main portion282 can have a pointed end and/or some other feature that will allow themain portion 282 be become embedded into the wall of the conduit.

Each retaining element 280 (or at least the main portion 282 of aretaining element 280) can be made of one or more of a number ofmaterials that is harder than the material of the conduit. In this way,the main portion 282 of the retaining element 280 can effectively deform(e.g., penetrate) at least a portion of the conduit rather than becomedeformed (or at least substantially deformed) itself. If the deformationof the conduit includes penetration by the main portion 282 of theretaining element 280 into the conduit wall, then the main portion 282without successfully penetrating at least a portion the conduit. In somecases, all portions of a retaining element 280 are made of the samematerial or mixture of materials. If there are multiple retainingelements 280, each retaining element 280 can be made of the samematerial or mixture of materials compared to the rest of the retainingelements 280.

In certain example embodiments, the sealing device 284 creates a sealbetween the housing 272 and the conduit when some or all of the housing272 is compressed and deformed by a compressive force (a press fitting).The sealing device 284 can be disposed at one or more locations alongthe length of the housing 272. For example, in this case, the sealingdevice 284 is disposed at the proximal end of the housing 272, adjacentto the transition wall 275. The sealing device 284 can be at leastpartially elastic so that the sealing device 284 can be compressed tofit the shape between the housing 272 and the conduit when the housing272 is compressed and deformed. In this example, in addition to theconduit, the main wall 274, the transition wall 275, and the separatingmember 283 (or, in the absence of the separating member 283, theretaining element 280) can abut against and shape the sealing device 284when the housing 272 is compressed and deformed.

The cross-sectional shape of the sealing device 284 (in a normal oruncompressed state) can be one or more of a number of shapes, includingbut not limited to circular (as shown in FIG. 2B), oval, square,rectangular, triangular, and octagonal. The height of the sealing device284 can be equal to or different than (in this case, less than) thelength of the main portion 282 of the retaining element 280. When theheight of the sealing device 284 is equal to or less than the length ofthe main portion 282 of the retaining element 280, the sealing device284 does not impede the insertion of the conduit into the cavity 271.The sealing device 284 can be made from one or more of a number ofmaterials, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, and anelastomer. Examples of a sealing device 284 can include an o-ring and agasket. The sealing device 284 can be disposed within some or all of thehousing 272 in a single, continuous piece or in multiple pieces.

The optional separating member 283, when used, can be disposed withinthe housing between the retaining element 280 and the sealing device284. The separating member 283 (e.g., a washer) can be used to helpalign the retaining element 280 and/or compress the sealing device 284when the housing 272 is compressed and deformed. In certain exampleembodiments, the separating member 283 can also prevent friction of thesealing device 284 from introducing torque on the retaining element 280when the housing 272 is compressed and deformed. By using the separatingmember 283 to keep the retaining element 280 substantially stationary,the effectiveness of the deformation of the conduit 250 by the retainingelement 280 can be increased during compression and/or deformation ofthe housing 272. The separating member 283 can be disposed within someor all of the housing 272 in a single, continuous piece or in multiplepieces. The separating member 283 can be made of one or more materialsthat are rigid or flexible. In certain example embodiments, theseparating member 283 substantially retains its shape (is notsignificantly compressed) when the housing 272 is compressed anddeformed.

The height of the separating member 283 can be substantially the same asor less than the height of the sealing device 284 when the sealingdevice 284 is in a compressed state. In this way, the separating member283 does not inhibit the sealing device 284 from creating a seal whenthe housing 272 is compressed and deformed. The cross-sectional shape ofthe separating member 283 can be one or more of a number of shapes,including but not limited to circular, oval, square (as shown in FIG.2B), rectangular, triangular, and octagonal.

In certain example embodiments, the bushing 285 is used to protectelectrical cable that is pulled through the cavity 271 of the conduitreceiver 270 from being damaged by the proximal end of the conduit,which can have sharp and/or jagged edges, disposed within the cavity271. The bushing 285 can extend inward from the transition wall 275toward the cavity 271. Some or all of the distal portion of the bushing285 can abut against some or all of the proximal end of the conduit.Further, the height of the bushing 285 can be substantially the same as,or greater than, the thickness of the conduit. In such a case, thedistal end of the bushing 285 can cover the proximal end of the conduit.

The proximal end and at least the top portion of the distal end of thebushing 285 can have a rounded surface to increase the ease with whichone or more electrical cables can be pulled through the cavity 271 ofthe conduit receiver 270. The bushing 285 can be disposed within some orall of the housing 272 in a single, continuous piece or in multiplepieces. The bushing 285 can be made of one or more materials that arerigid or flexible, but that tend to offer little or no resistance to anelectrical cable when the electrical cable slides across the bushing285. The bushing 285 can be formed from a single piece with the rest ofthe transition wall 275, as from a mold. Alternatively, the bushing 285can be one or more separate pieces that are mechanically coupled to theinner surface of the transition wall 275. In such a case, the bushing285 can be coupled to the transition wall 275 using one or more of anumber of coupling methods, including but not limited to welding, epoxy,fastening, and compression fittings.

FIG. 3A shows a conduit system 300 that includes an enclosure 301 thatincludes the conduit receiver 270 of FIGS. 2A and 2B prior to securing aconduit 250 in accordance with certain example embodiments. FIG. 3Bshows the conduit system 302 of FIG. 3A after the conduit receiver 270secures the conduit 250 in accordance with certain example embodiments.In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIGS.3A and 3B may be omitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted.Accordingly, embodiments of conduit systems having conduit receiversshould not be considered limited to the specific arrangements ofcomponents shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The description for any component (e.g., main wall 274, separatingmember 283) of FIGS. 3A and 3B not provided below can be consideredsubstantially the same as the description given for such componentprovided above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Referring to FIGS. 1-3B,the enclosure 301 of FIG. 3A includes a traditional conduit receiver110, as described above with respect to FIG. 1, and an example conduitreceiver 270. In this case, the conduit receiver 110 and the conduitreceiver 270 are integrated as part of, and disposed at opposite endsof, the enclosure 301.

The enclosure 301 can be one or more of a number of differentenclosures. Examples of such enclosures can include, but are not limitedto, a fitting, a connector, a junction box, a motor control center, aswitchgear cabinet, a control cabinet. In this example, with theenclosure 101 of FIG. 1, the enclosure 301 is a CONDULET™ (CONDULET is atrademark of Cooper Industries, Inc. of Houston, Tex.)

In this case, the cover of the enclosure 301 is removed, exposing theaperture 398 in the wall 320 of the enclosure 301 as well as the cavity330 within the enclosure 301. This allows the electrical cable 399 to beaccessed and pulled through the conduit 150 and/or the conduit 250. Forexample, the electrical cable 399 can be trained through the aperture398 by looping the electrical cable 399 (sometimes called a “trainingloop”) in a “circle” outside the enclosure 301. This ensures thereliability of the electrical cable 399 pulled through the enclosure 301by using the “training loop” in the aperture 398 to safely guide theelectrical cable 399 while pulling the electrical cable 399 acrossmultiple bends and/or a distance through components of the enclosedraceway adjacent to the enclosure 301. An explanation of this electricalcable pulling method is described in a publication called “Conduit BodyWire Pulling Instructions” by Crouse-Hinds, publication number IF964,revision 6/93, copyrighted in 1993 by Cooper Industries, Inc., theentirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In FIG. 3A, a conduit 150 with conduit wall 151 has mating threads 152disposed on its proximal end. These mating threads 152 are complementaryto the mating threads 112 disposed on the inner surface of thetraditional conduit receiver 110. As a result, the conduit is threadablycoupled to the conduit receiver 110 of the enclosure 301, as currentlyknown in the art. Adjacent to the mating threads 152 of the conduit wall151, a bushing 115 can be disposed. The bushing 115 can be substantiallythe same as the busing 285 described above. At the opposite end of theenclosure 301, a conduit 250 with conduit wall 251 has no mating threadsor any other coupling feature disposed on its proximal end.

Instead, the proximal end of the conduit 250 is disposed within thecavity 271 of the example conduit receiver 270 and inserted inward untilthe proximal end of the conduit 250 abuts against the distal end of thebushing 285. In certain example embodiments, the proximal end of theconduit 250 does not physically abut against, but is disposed proximateto, the distal end of the bushing 285. In either case, a secure jointcan be formed between the conduit 250 and the conduit receiver 270sufficient to meet applicable standards. The proximal end of the conduit250 can be smooth, without rough edges. Alternatively, and more likely,the proximal end of the conduit 250 has rough edges, either in itsmanufactured state or when being cut to size by a user. As a result, theexample conduit receiver 270 can reduce or eliminate the likelihood ofdamage occurring to the electrical cable 399 caused by the proximal endof the conduit 250 when the electrical cable 399 is pulled through theconduit receiver 270.

In this case, the height of the bushing 285 exceeds the thickness of theconduit wall 252 (i.e., the distance between the outer surface 252 ofthe conduit wall 252 and the inner surface 254 of the conduit wall 252)by a distance 294. Since the distance 294 is positive (the height of thebushing 285 exceeds the thickness of the conduit wall 252) and since thetop side of the bushing is rounded, the electrical cable 399 can bepulled through the cavity 253 of the conduit 250 (which is disposedwithin the cavity 271 of the conduit receiver 270) without theelectrical cable 399 contacting the proximal end of the conduit 250. Inother words, any rough edges to the proximal end of the conduit 270 donot contact the electrical cable 399, reducing or preventing damage thatcan be caused when the electrical cable 399 is pulled through theconduit receiver 270.

In FIG. 3B, a tool (not shown) has been used to apply a compressiveforce to the conduit receiver 270. Specifically, a compressive force isapplied to the main wall 274 of the conduit receiver 270. When thisoccurs, the main wall 270 is forced inward toward the conduit 250,deforming the walls of the conduit receiver 270. Consequently, the mainportion 282 of the retaining element 280 is driven against (deforms) theconduit wall 251 of the conduit 250. For this to occur, the compressiveforce must exceed a threshold compressive force, which is defined by thestrength of the conduit wall 251 of the conduit 250 relative to thestrength of the main portion 282 of the retaining element 280.

The tool used to apply the compressive force can be one or more of anumber of devices. The tool can be an off-the-shelf product or acustom-made product that is specifically designed for the conduitreceiver 270. The tool can apply the compressive force at one locationalong the outer perimeter of the conduit receiver 270, at multiplelocations along the outer perimeter of the conduit receiver 270, oruniformly around the entire outer perimeter of the conduit receiver 270.

Further, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, when one ormore of the walls of the conduit receiver 270 are compressed anddeformed by the application of a compressive force that exceeds thethreshold compressive force, the sealing device 284 also becomescompressed and deformed. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3B, thesealing device 284 is compressed within the housing 272 to form a sealagainst the outer surface 252 of the conduit wall 251, the separatingmember 283 (present in this example), a portion of the inner surface ofthe transition wall 275, and a portion of the inner surface of the mainwall 274. Between the seal formed by the sealing device 284 and thedeformation (e.g., penetration) of the conduit wall 251 by the mainportion 282 of the retaining element 280, the conduit 250 is securedwithin the conduit receiver 270.

In certain example embodiments, since the conduit wall 251 of theconduit 250, the retaining element 280, and at least a portion of thehousing 272 of the conduit receiver 270 are electrically conductive(e.g., metallic), a solid grounding connection is made between theconduit 250 and the conduit receiver 270. In cases where an enclosure(e.g., enclosure 301) is made of an electrically conductive material,the enclosure can also be part of the solid grounding connection. Thisproper grounding is often required to meet applicable codes and/orstandards for conduit, enclosed raceway, and/or wiring systems to reduceor eliminate the possibility of fires, explosion, overheating, and otheradverse electrical conditions that can arise from improper grounding ofwiring and related equipment.

FIG. 4 shows a conduit system 400 that includes a conduit connectordevice 401 in accordance with certain example embodiments. In one ormore embodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 4 may beomitted, added, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodimentsof conduit systems having conduit connector devices should not beconsidered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown inFIG. 4.

The description for any component (e.g., housing 472, bushing 485) ofFIG. 4 not provided below can be considered substantially the same asthe description of the corresponding component (e.g., housing 272,bushing 285) described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-3B. The numberingscheme for the components of FIG. 4 parallels the numbering scheme forthe components of FIGS. 2A-3B in that each component is a three digitnumber, where components of the conduit system 400 of FIG. 4 and thecorresponding components of the conduit receiver 270 of FIGS. 2A and 2B,the conduit system 300 of FIG. 3A, and the conduit system 302 of FIG. 3Bhave the identical last two digits.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the conduit connector device 401 (also sometimescalled a conduit coupling device 401) of FIG. 4 can be an abbreviatedversion of the enclosure 301 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, theconduit connector device 401 does not have a wall forming a cavity, aswith the wall 320 of the enclosure 301. Instead, the conduit connectordevice 401 can have an example conduit receiver 470 at one end, and atraditional conduit receiver 410 (in this case, mating threads 412disposed on the inner or outer surface) adjacent to the conduit receiver470 at the other end of the coupling device 401. FIG. 4 also shows howthe bushing 485 protects the electrical cable 499 from the proximal endof the conduit wall 451 of the conduit 450.

Alternatively, the conduit connector device 401 of FIG. 4 can be areplacement for some or all of an existing connector device. Examples ofsuch existing connector devices can include, but are not limited to, adrain hub, a ground nut, a union, an elbow, a cap, and an adapter. Insuch cases, the conduit connector device 401 can be coupled (connected)to an enclosure (e.g., a junction box, a control cabinet, a motorcontrol center) other than another conduit.

FIG. 5 shows a conduit system 500 that includes an explosion-proofenclosure 501 with a conduit receiver 570 in accordance with certainexample embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of thecomponents shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted, added, repeated, and/orsubstituted. Accordingly, embodiments of conduit systems having exampleconduit receivers should not be considered limited to the specificarrangements of components shown in FIG. 5.

The description for any component (e.g., housing 572, bushing 585) ofFIG. 5 not provided below can be considered substantially the same asthe description of the corresponding component (e.g., housing 272,bushing 285) described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-3B. The numberingscheme for the components of FIG. 5 parallels the numbering scheme forthe components of FIGS. 2A-3B in that each component is a three digitnumber, where components of the conduit system 500 of FIG. 5 and thecorresponding components of the conduit receiver 270 of FIGS. 2A and 2B,the conduit system 300 of FIG. 3A, and the conduit system 302 of FIG. 3Bhave the identical last two digits.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the conduit system 500 of FIG. 5 includes anenclosure 501 that has three traditional conduit receivers (conduitreceiver 510, conduit receiver 610, and conduit receiver 710) and oneexample conduit receiver 570 disposed in various portions of the wall520 of the enclosure 501. The enclosure 501 can have a different (e.g.,zero, one, two, four) number of traditional conduit receivers and/or adifferent (e.g., zero, two, three, four) number of example conduitreceivers.

In some cases, an enclosure (e.g., enclosure 501) is required to meetcertain standards and/or regulations with respect to arresting flamesand/or explosions. Such an enclosure can be called, for example, anexplosion-proof enclosure or a flame-proof enclosure (generally calledherein an explosion-proof enclosure). An explosion-proof enclosure is anenclosure that is configured to contain an explosion or flame thatoriginates inside the enclosure or propagates to the enclosure. Further,an explosion-proof enclosure can be configured to allow gases frominside the enclosure to escape across joints of the enclosure and coolas the gases exit the enclosure. The joints are also known as flamepaths and exist where two surfaces meet and provide a path, from insidethe explosion-proof enclosure to outside the explosion-proof enclosure,along which one or more gases may travel. A joint may be a mating of anytwo or more surfaces. Each surface may be any type of surface, includingbut not limited to a flat surface, a threaded surface (as in this casefor the traditional conduit receivers), and a serrated surface.

As mentioned above, an explosion-proof enclosure can be subject tomeeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, The NationalElectrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets standards with which anenclosure must comply in order to qualify as an explosion-proofenclosure. For example, a NEMA Type 7 standard applies to enclosuresconstructed for indoor use in certain hazardous locations. Hazardouslocations may be defined by one or more of a number of authorities,including but not limited to the NEC (e.g., Class 1, Division I) andUnderwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) (e.g., UL 1203). For example, aClass 1 hazardous area under the NEC is an area in which flammable gasesor vapors may be present in the air in sufficient quantities to beexplosive.

Traditional conduit receivers (conduit receiver 510, conduit receiver610, and conduit receiver 710) have mating threads that, when coupled tocomplementary mating threads of a conduit, can allow the traditionalcoupling receiver to comply with such standards. Alternatively, when aconduit receiver is coupled to a conduit using coupling means other thanmating threads, in order for an example conduit receiver (e.g., conduitreceiver 570) to comply with such standards, a sealing compound 566 canbe added to the cavity 530 of the enclosure 501, at least in the portionof the cavity 530 adjacent to where the conduit receiver couples to theconduit. In such a case, the sealing compound 566 can provide a barrierbetween the explosion-proof side of the cavity 530 and thenon-explosion-proof side of the cavity 530.

FIG. 6A shows a semi-cross sectional side view of a conduit system 600that includes another enclosure with multiple conduit receivers prior tosecuring conduit in accordance with certain example embodiments. FIG. 6Bshows a semi-cross sectional side view of the conduit system 602 of FIG.6A after the conduit receivers secure the conduit in accordance withcertain example embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more ofthe components shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be omitted, added, repeated,and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of conduit systems havingexample conduit receivers should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements of components shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The description for any component (e.g., housing 772, bushing 785) ofFIGS. 6A and 6B not provided below can be considered substantially thesame as the description of the corresponding component (e.g., housing272, bushing 285) described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-3B. Thenumbering scheme for the components of FIGS. 6A and 6B parallels thenumbering scheme for the components of FIGS. 2A-3B in that eachcomponent is a three digit number, where components of the conduitsystem of FIGS. 6A and 6B and the corresponding components of theconduit receiver 270 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the conduit system 300 of FIG.3A, and the conduit system 302 of FIG. 3B have the identical last twodigits.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6B, the enclosure 601 of FIGS. 6A and 6B includesthree example conduit receivers (conduit receiver 670, conduit receiver770, and conduit receiver 870). The enclosure 601 of FIGS. 6A and 6B hasno traditional conduit receivers. The housing (e.g., housing 772) ofeach conduit receiver (e.g., conduit receiver 770) in FIGS. 6A and 6B isshaped slightly differently compared to the housing 272 of FIGS. 2A and2B. Specifically, the end wall 773 makes an acute angle with the mainwall 774 (as opposed to the substantially right angle formed between theend wall 273 and the main wall 274 of the housing 272 of the conduitreceiver 270 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). Alternatively, the end wall can makean obtuse angle relative to the main wall of a housing of an exampleconduit receiver.

In addition, the conduit receivers of FIGS. 6A and 6B differ from theconduit receiver 270 of FIGS. 2A-3B in that there is no separatingmember. Instead, the sealing device (e.g., sealing device 784) of eachconduit receiver (e.g., conduit receiver 770) in FIGS. 6A and 6B ispositioned directly adjacent to the retaining element (e.g., retainingelement 780) within the housing (e.g., housing 772). When the housing(e.g., housing 772) is compressed and deformed, the sealing device(e.g., sealing device 784) also becomes compressed between the conduit750, the main portion 782 of the retaining element 780, the main wall774, and the transition wall 775.

The systems and methods described herein may provide several advantagesincluding a significant savings in time and material for installing,modifying, and/or maintaining a conduit system. This allows for lesscostly, easier, and quicker installation of conduit systems usingexample conduit receivers. Example embodiments also provide moreflexibility in where enclosures having example conduit receivers arelocated in a conduit, enclosed raceway, and/or wiring system. Certainexample embodiments provide a number of other benefits, as well,including but are not limited to use of fewer materials, simplifiedinstallation, simplified inspection, simplified maintenance, and reducedcost. For example, the labor associated with installing enclosedraceways that have threaded conduit and fittings (as in the current art)is higher than other portions of a cabling systems, such as cable trayand laying cable without cable tray or conduit. When enclosed racewaysare used, example embodiments allow for lower the labor cost and timefor installing enclosed raceways.

In addition, using a press connection of an example conduit receiver asopposed to mating threads, the enclosure to which the press connectionis affixed and/or coupled to can rotate, eliminating the need for aunion or similar component in a conduit system. Again, this simplifiesinstallation, saves time, money and materials, and allows for increasedflexibility in designing, installing, modifying, and/or maintaining aconduit system. Further, conduit can have a coating (e.g., zinc oxide)to protect the conduit (and the mating threads in particular) fromcorrosion. The NEC requires that where corrosion protection is necessaryand conduit is threaded in the field, the threads should be coated withan approved electrically-conductive, corrosion resistant compound. Whena conduit is cut to size and new mating threads are etched into theconduit, those new mating threads are not protected from corrosionbecause the new mating threads do not have the coating. Exampleembodiments allow conduit to be cut to size and still be protected fromcorrosion because the coating no etchings that can remove the coatingare made to the conduit.

In addition, example embodiments help to protect the integrity of aflame path when example conduit receivers are part of an explosion-proofsystem. Since new mating threads do not need to be etched into aconduit, such as when a conduit is cut to a shorter length, burrs andshavings are not created, and so cannot interfere with a flame pathdefined by such mating threads. Further, regardless of whether anexample conduit receiver is part of an explosion-proof system, the burrsand shavings that would otherwise be generated to etch mating threads donot risk the integrity of an electrical cable by scraping and/orpuncturing the jacket of an electrical cable. In other words, exampleembodiments are free of metal burrs, metal shavings, and other objectsthat could scrape or puncture the jacket of an electrical cable pulledthrough and/or disposed within an example conduit receiver.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to exampleembodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications are well within the scope and spirit of thisdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exampleembodiments described herein are not limited to any specificallydiscussed application and that the embodiments described herein areillustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exampleembodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing otherembodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves topractitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exampleembodiments is not limited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An enclosure, comprising: at least one wallforming a cavity; and a first conduit receiver disposed in the at leastone wall, wherein the first conduit receiver comprises: a first housinghaving a first aperture, wherein the first aperture is configured toreceive a first conduit, wherein the first conduit has disposed thereinat least one electrical cable; a first retaining element disposed withinthe first housing at a first distal end of the first housing; a firstsealing device disposed within the first housing at a first proximal endof the first housing; and a first bushing adjacent to the first proximalend of the first housing, wherein the first bushing extends inward fromthe at least one wall, wherein the first bushing is configured to abutagainst the first conduit when the first conduit is received in thefirst aperture, and wherein the first bushing covers a first end of thefirst conduit.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first housing ismade of malleable material, wherein the first housing is configured tobe deformed when a first threshold compressive force is applied to thefirst housing.
 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the first retainingelement is configured to deform at least a portion of the first conduitwhen the first threshold compressive force is applied to the firsthousing, and wherein the sealing device is configured to compress whenthe first housing is deformed.
 4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein thefirst conduit receiver further comprises: a separating member disposedwithin the first housing between the first retaining element and thefirst sealing device.
 5. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: asecond conduit receiver disposed in the at least one wall, wherein thesecond conduit receiver comprises: a second housing having a secondaperture, wherein the second aperture is configured to receive a secondconduit; a second retaining element disposed within the second housingat a second distal end of the second housing; a second sealing devicedisposed within the second housing at a second proximal end of thesecond housing; and a second bushing adjacent to the second proximal endof the second housing, wherein the second bushing extends inward fromthe at least one wall, wherein the second bushing is configured to abutagainst the second conduit when the second conduit is received in thesecond aperture, and wherein the second bushing covers a second end ofthe second conduit.
 6. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: anenclosure aperture disposed in the at least one wall, wherein theenclosure aperture is positioned adjacent to the first conduit receiver,wherein the enclosure aperture is configured to receive at the least onecable that is pulled through the first conduit, wherein the firstbushing protects the at least one cable from the first end of the firstconduit; and a cover removably coupled to the at least one wall, whereinthe cover covers the enclosure aperture, wherein the cover is removed toexpose the enclosure aperture and allow a user to access the at leastone cable.
 7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first conduit hasone of a range of sizes.
 8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cavityadjacent to the first conduit receiver is filled with a sealing compoundto create an explosion-proof seal.
 9. A connector device, comprising: abody having a cavity that traverses therethrough, wherein the bodycomprises a first end, wherein the first end comprises: a first housinghaving a first aperture, wherein the first aperture is configured toreceive a first conduit, wherein the first conduit has disposed thereinat least one electrical cable; a first retaining element disposed withinthe first housing at a first distal end of the first housing; a firstsealing device disposed within the first housing at a first proximal endof the first housing; and a first bushing adjacent to the first proximalend of the first housing, wherein the first bushing extends inward fromthe at least one wall, wherein the first bushing is configured to abutagainst the first conduit when the first conduit is received in thefirst aperture, and wherein the first bushing covers a first end of thefirst conduit.
 10. The connector device of claim 9, wherein the firsthousing is made of malleable material, wherein the first housing isconfigured to be deformed when a first threshold compressive force isapplied to the first housing.
 11. The connector device of claim 10,wherein the first retaining element is configured to deform at least aportion of the first conduit when the first threshold compressive forceis applied to the first housing, and wherein the sealing device isconfigured to compress when the first housing is deformed.
 12. Theconnector device of claim 9, wherein the first conduit receiver furthercomprises: a separating member disposed within the first housing betweenthe first retaining element and the first sealing device.
 13. Theconnector device of claim 9, wherein the body further comprises a secondend, wherein the second end comprises mating threads, wherein the matingthreads are configured to mechanically connect to complementary matingthreads disposed on a second conduit.
 14. The connector device of claim9, wherein the body further comprises a second end, wherein the secondend comprises: a second housing having a second aperture, wherein thesecond aperture is configured to receive a second conduit; a secondretaining element disposed within the second housing at a second distalend of the second housing; a second sealing device disposed within thesecond housing at a second proximal end of the second housing; and asecond bushing adjacent to the second proximal end of the secondhousing, wherein the second bushing extends inward from the at least onewall, wherein the second bushing is configured to abut against thesecond conduit when the second conduit is received in the secondaperture, and wherein the second bushing covers a second end of thesecond conduit.
 15. A system comprising: a first conduit having a firstconduit end, wherein the first conduit has disposed therein at least oneelectrical cable; an enclosure coupled to the first conduit end of thefirst conduit, wherein the enclosure comprises: at least one wallforming a cavity; and a first conduit receiver disposed in the at leastone wall, wherein the first conduit receiver comprises: a first housinghaving a first aperture, wherein the first aperture receives the firstconduit end of the first conduit; a first retaining element disposedwithin the first housing at a first distal end of the first housing; afirst sealing device disposed within the first housing at a firstproximal end of the first housing; and a first bushing adjacent to thefirst proximal end of the first housing, wherein the first bushingextends inward from the at least one wall, wherein the first bushingabuts against and covers a distal end of the first conduit end; and atool that applies a compressive force to the first housing of the firstconduit receiver, wherein the compressive force deforms the firsthousing and drives the first retaining element against the first conduitend.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first conduit receiverfurther comprises: a separating member disposed within the first housingbetween the first retaining element and the first sealing device,wherein the separating member aligns the first retaining element whenthe first retaining element is driven against the first conduit end, andwherein the separating member remains stationary to compress the sealingdevice when the first housing is deformed.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein the first conduit, the first retaining element, and the firsthousing are electrically conductive.
 18. The system of claim 15, whereinthe bushing protects the at least one cable as the at least one cable isbeing pulled into the first conduit.
 19. The system of claim 15, furthercomprising: a sealing compound disposed in the cavity adjacent to thefirst conduit receiver, wherein the sealing compound creates anexplosion-proof seal.
 20. The system of claim 15, further comprising: asecond conduit having a second conduit end, wherein the enclosurefurther comprises a second conduit receiver disposed in the at least onewall, wherein the second conduit receiver comprises: a second housinghaving a second aperture, wherein the second aperture receives thesecond conduit end of the second conduit; a second retaining elementdisposed within the second housing at a second distal end of the secondhousing; a second sealing device disposed within the second housing at asecond proximal end of the second housing; and a second bushing adjacentto the second proximal end of the second housing, wherein the secondbushing extends inward from the at least one wall, wherein the secondbushing abuts against and covers a distal end of the second conduit end.